Automated Rock Characterization With SEM/lmage-Analysis Techniques

Summary This paper describes the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM)/X-ray/image-analysis system to perform automatic petrographic analyses of sandstone samples. The methods developed involve the combined use of backscattered-electron (BSE) imaging and X-ray analysis with image-analysis procedures to quantify the mineralogy, grain texture, and pore structure of polished rock samples. The procedures are fully automated and, once set up, can be run without operator involvement (e.g., overnight). A wealth of quantitative data can be obtained with this single approach, providing useful information for many fields of petroleum engineering (diagenetic studies, prediction of physical properties, etc.). These methods should help replace, at least partially, the tedious and time-consuming manual petrographic methods currently used.